Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Higher Ground characters in my story. All rights are reserved to whoever owns the show now. Yada, Yada, Yada. I'm sure you get the picture.
Summary: Scott and Shelby are forced to go their separate ways after they graduate from Horizon. Can fate bring them back together?
Category: Romance/Drama
Rating: PG-13
Author's Note: You've asked for more so your wish is my command! Enjoy and keep the comments coming. I'm loving it!
Chapter One: The Invitation, Pt. 1
Shelby sighed inwardly as she walked into her home, hurriedly dropping that weeks worth of groceries on the bar counter in the kitchen. She rolled her eyes, an amused smile surfacing on her lips when she spotted her room mate lounging on the couch, the remote control in her hand. "I'm glad to see that you are comfortable."
Shelby's room mate jumped at the sound of her voice and Shelby laughed. How could she forget that when her friend watches TV, she really watches TV? "Shelby," the girl checked her watch before standing up to help Shelby unload the groceries. "how long have you been here?"
"Only a couple of minutes. I had just set the groceries down, thinking that you knew I had come in before speaking. I guess I forgot that the all-day 'Friends' marathon was on today." Shelby laughed again when her friend pushed her lightly in mock offense.
"Oh, by the way," the girl quickly walked back to the coffee table sitting in front of their couch. "something came for you today." she picked up an envelope and took it to Shelby. "What is it?" the girl asked eagerly as she watched Shelby open the letter.
Shelby opened the letter, the words 'Horizon Reunion' catching her eye. A reunion? There was no way that she could go to a reunion back at Horizon. So many things had changed now. She couldn't just sit around with old friends and reminisce with them, no matter how much she'd like to. And Scott. He would undoubtedly be there to see her. Shelby hadn't been able to get Scott off of her mind since the night he walked away from her. Seeing him again would be too hard.
"It's … an invitation. My old school is having a class reunion and I'm invited." she stuttered, her mind reeling with doubt.
"That's great, Shel. You gonna go?" Shelby's room mate followed her to the couch and sat down with her, her eyes remained fixed on Shelby. For the chance to see old friends again, Shelby didn't look so happy. She had only said good things about Horizon. Why then was she so skeptical now?
Shelby shook her head. "No, I don't think so." she sat down the invitation, praying that she could stay firm in her decision. She wanted to go see everyone so badly, but she couldn't go. Scott would be there. "I can't possibly survive a week of these people. I'd go insane before the week was over. I've told you how nuts they used to make me. "
"Yeah, but you've also said that you wouldn't trade that experience for anything else in the world. You have to go, Shel. I know you. You'd be miserable if you didn't go."
"Leah, you just don't understand. Scott will be there. It's been so long. I can't face him now. Not after everything."
Leah rolled her eyes at Shelby's lame excuse. She wasn't going to let her best friend miss out on this. She wanted to catch up with everyone more than anything, Leah could tell. As much as Shelby wanted to convince herself that she didn't need to see these people, Leah knew better. "You are going, Shel. Now go pack." Shelby opened her mouth to protest when Leah held up her hand. "No excuses, Shel. You are going. You need to go."
Shelby sighed in defeat, her shoulders sagging. It had been so easy to break her down. She was supposed to stay strong, but despite what she said otherwise, Shelby really did want to go. She wanted to see everyone that had unknowingly meant so much to her … even Juliette.
Slowly Shelby stood without another word and headed to her bedroom. She began packing all the appropriate clothing. She was going to need warmer clothes being that Horizon was in the mountains. Shelby forced herself to view the trip positively. Going back to Horizon would give her a much needed change from L.A.; and she didn't necessarily have to see Scott while she was there.